Abuse in State Hospitals

This morning in the San Francisco Chronicle was a chilling article regarding the possible (and very likely) abuse of people with severe disabilities in California State Hospitals. Apparently, the State hospitals have their own police force who should be monitoring and investigating the allegations of abuse, but aren't. A significant number of clients have mysterious cuts, bruises, broken bones and even deaths that are not thoroughly examined, leaving the families to wonder what could have happened in this place where they thought their loved ones would be safe. With a staff:client ratio of 3 to one, and a cost of over $300,000 a year, it is hard to imagine how something like this could still be happening.

When I was going to school in the early 70s, there were many horror stories of the 'snake pit' environment of some of the state hospitals. But then reforms were to be put in place, and changes legislated requiring better care. Perhaps the most fortunate change was the closing of some of these large institutions and bringing people back to be among the communities there they can live, play, and if possible, work. I would hope that in the community settings, there would be better scrutiny of what goes on in these community group homes.

I cannot imagine the grief and guilt these families must feel when  a family member is hurt.  Most likely the injured person could not tell what happened to them or who did it. But to be thwarted by the very police who are in place to offer protection as well as to investigate some very serious situations is shocking.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/24/MN6T1NBIU4.DTL